Birdstone, by Grindstone out of the Storm Bird mare Dear Birdie, was third early behind favored Temescal Ridge and Monopoly Money. The bay colt cruised up to the front and took over on the turn for home, opening up an eight-length lead in the stretch while ridden out to a widening advantage over runner-up Bold Love. Sent off at 7-2 in the field of nine, he paid $9.70, $4.80 and $3.90. (Chart, Equibase)
Marylou Whitney Stable's 2-year-old homebred Birdstone, a half-brother to multiple grade I winner Bird Town, won his debut at Saratoga Saturday by 12 1/2 lengths.Edgar Prado rode the Nick Zito-trained stablemate of Bird Town, who won the Kentucky Oaks and the Acorn at Belmont (both gr. I) before turning in a second-place finish in last week's Test (gr. I) at Saratoga. The final six-furlong time Saturday was 1:10 1/5 on a muddy track.